Ontario Chamber Welcomes Historic Legislation to Eliminate Interprovincial Trade Barriers

(TORONTO– April 16, 2025) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, issued the following statement in response to the Ontario governments newly introduced interprovincial trade legislation, Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act:

“This is a bold step toward a more unified Canadian economy. With this legislation, Ontario is leading by example, tearing down outdated trade barriers, and expanding labour mobility for businesses and workers alike.

“By becoming the first province to remove all party-specific exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement, Ontario is setting a new national standard. It’s easier to preach free trade abroad when we practise it here at home.

“This move reflects years of advocacy from the Ontario Chamber – and close collaboration in the past year with chambers of commerce across Canada and our respective governments. It shows what’s possible when business and political leaders work together to strengthen our economy.

“We look forward to supporting Ontario’s implementation to ensure it protects the public interest, contains costs, and creates new opportunities for businesses and workers everywhere.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes, and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255